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Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Appoints New CEO And Board Chair Ahead Of Key Cancer Drug Trials

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals announces leadership changes to accelerate Azenosertib's development.

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  • Nov 14, 2024

  • Simantini Singh Deo

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Appoints New CEO And Board Chair Ahead Of Key Cancer Drug Trials

Zentalis® Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small-molecule therapies that target critical cancer pathways. Today, the firm announced fundamental changes to its executive team as it prepares for registrational studies of its leading candidate, Azenosertib. Julie Eastland has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director, replacing Kimberly Blackwell, M.D., who will play a role as strategic advisor to the Board. 


Ms. Eastland brings extensive leadership experience in oncology, having previously led Harpoon Therapeutics as CEO until its acquisition by Merck in early 2024. Additionally, Zentalis has named Ingmar Bruns, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, while Scott Myers has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Directors. These appointments strengthen Zentalis' leadership as the company moves toward pivotal clinical studies.


Julie Eastland, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Zentalis, said in a statement, "I am honoured to join Zentalis during this exciting period as we execute azenosertib clinical development activities that, we believe, could support an accelerated approval. The azenosertib clinical results generated to date are compelling, and we believe this investigational medicine has the potential to become an important new treatment option for a significant segment of patients living with gynaecological cancers. I look forward to working alongside the entire Zentalis team and Board, which are highly accomplished industry experts with a track record of successfully moving medicines through late-stage development and commercialisation.”


She further added, “We plan to proceed with a sharp focus on advancing azenosertib, taking necessary actions to ensure the Company has the resources to proceed forward successfully. Our priorities are clear – we will work to rapidly initiate and complete the studies needed to obtain regulatory authority approval to get azenosertib to patients. We will operate in a capital-efficient manner to maximise shareholder value. In January 2025, we plan to host an investor event to share updated azenosertib clinical data and a regulatory update, including plans for registration-intent studies.”


Kimberly Blackwell, M.D., stated, “I am proud of our accomplishments advancing the development of azenosertib. We have administered azenosertib to approximately 800 patients with a variety of serious cancers in the clinic, as both a monotherapy and in combination with other modalities, and we’ve generated a substantial body of efficacy and safety data that inform further development. I believe that these data, in conjunction with the results of the pending studies, will ultimately support the approval of azenosertib as an entirely novel treatment option for gynaecological cancers. I look forward to continuing to contribute and advise on developing azenosertib.”


“On behalf of the Board, we thank Dr. Blackwell for her meaningful contributions to Zentalis and her efforts to advance the Azenosertib clinical program. We would also like to express our deep appreciation to Dave Johnson for his many contributions as a highly productive chairperson and for supporting the organisation during this period of growth. I look forward to working with him on the Board,” mentioned Scott Myers, incoming Zentalis Board of Directors chairperson.

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